ACC2000: Shortcut Always Opens Microsoft Access in Restored Mode (267299)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Access 2000
This article was previously published under Q267299
Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

This article applies to a Microsoft Access database (.mdb) and to a Microsoft Access project (.adp).

SYMPTOMS

Even though you maximize Microsoft Access before quitting the program, the shortcut to open a database always starts Access in a restored window.

CAUSE

You are running multiple instances of Microsoft Access, where each instance is loading a different database, and the shortcut that you use to start the new instance does not include the path and file name to the Access program.

RESOLUTION

In the Target property of the shortcut, include the path and file name to the Access program, along with the path and file name of the database to open. For example, change the Target property from:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind.mdb"

to:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\MSACCESS.EXE" "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind.mdb"

MORE INFORMATION

When Access starts, it uses the last window mode that Access was using when you quit Access. For example, if you maximize Access, and then quit the program, Access will open in a maximized window the next time that you start Access. If you restore the Access window before you quit the program, Access will open in a restored window the next time that you open it. This is expected behavior. However, this is not the case under the following conditions:
  • One or more instances of Microsoft Access are already running.
  • You are opening another instance of Access from a shortcut that does not have the path and file name to the Access program.
  • Each instance has loaded a different Access database.

Steps to Reproduce the Behavior

  1. Start Microsoft Access 2000.
  2. Click Cancel when you are prompted to open a database. Maximize Access, and then quit Access.
  3. Right-click the desktop, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
  4. In the Command line box, type the path to the sample database, Northwind.mdb as follows: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\Samples\Northwind.mdb. Click Next, and then click Finish.
  5. Double-click the shortcut that you just created and note that the database opens in a maximized Access window. Quit Access.
  6. Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Microsoft Access.
  7. Open a database other than the sample database Northwind.mdb.
  8. Minimize, but do not quit, this instance of Access.
  9. Double-click the shortcut, and note that the database is now opened in a restored Access window.
NOTE: You cannot resolve this issue by adding an Autoexec macro to maximize the window or by adding a Startup form that opens maximized.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/25/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB267299
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.